Immediate loading of fixed complete arch implant-supported prostheses – Preferences of prosthodontists in South Africa

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v80i01.20214

Keywords:

Therapeutic methods, Clinicians, Long-term results, Implant dentistry, Diagnostic methods

Abstract

Implant dentistry’s crucial role demands predictable long-term results, challenging clinicians to adapt to evolving diagnostic and 
therapeutic methods. Edentulism significantly impacts quality of life, and conventional dentures often fall short in achieving 
patient satisfaction and functional restoration. Recognising the trend in minimising treatment duration, immediate loading 
with fixed complete-arch implant-supported prostheses emerges as a possibility for swift restoration. However, South 
Africa lacks specific insights into prosthodontists’ prevalence and preferences with regards to this specific restoration 
protocol. This study therefore aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the perspectives of prosthodontists practicing in South Africa on immediate loading in fixed complete-arch implant-supported prostheses, contributing valuable insights to this evolving field.

Downloads

Author Biography

  • Ronel D Maart, University of the Western Cape,  South Africa



References

1. Massa LO, von Fraunhofer JA. *The ADA practical guide to dental implants*. American Dental Association; 2021. Wiley Blackwell.

2. Harel N, Ormianer Z, Zecharia E, Meirowitz A. Consequences of experience and specialist training on the fabrication of implant-supported prostheses: A survey. *J Prosthet Dent*. 2017;117:743-8.

3. Ferro K, Morgano S, Driscoll C, Freilich M, Guckes A, Knoernschild K, et al. The glossary of prosthodontic terms: Ninth edition. *J Prosthet Dent*. 2017;117:e1-e105.

4. Gallucci H, Morton D, Weber H. Loading protocols for dental implants in edentulous patients. *Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants*. 2009;24:132-46.

5. Peñarrocha-Oltra D, Peñarrocha-Diago M, Canullo L, Covani U, Peñarrocha M. Patient reported outcomes of immediate versus conventional loading with fixed full-arch prostheses in the maxilla: A nonrandomized controlled prospective study. *Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants*. 2014;29(3):690-8.

6. Schoenbaum TR, Guichet DL, Jang JY, Kim YK, Wadhwani CPK. Clinician preferences for complete-arch fixed implant-supported prostheses: A survey of the membership of the Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics. *J Prosthet Dent*. 2020;124:699-705.

7. Jiang X, Zhou W, Wu Y, Wang F. Clinical outcomes of immediate implant loading with fixed prostheses in edentulous maxillae: A systematic review. *Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants*. 2021;36:503-19.

8. Pera F, Menini M, Bagnasco F, Mussano F, Ambrogio G, Pesce P. Evaluation of internal and external hexagon connections in immediately loaded full-arch rehabilitations: A within-person randomized split-mouth controlled trial with a 3-year follow-up. *Clin Implant Dent Relat Res*. 2021;23:562-7.

9. Sun Y, Luebbers HT, Agbaje JO, Schepers S, Politis C, Van Slycke S, et al. Accuracy of dental implant placement using CBCT-derived mucosa-supported stereolithographic template. *Clin Implant Dent Relat Res*. 2015;17:862-70.

10. Nickenig H, Wichmann M, Hamel J, Schlegel K, Eitner S. Evaluation of the difference in accuracy between implant placement by virtual planning data and surgical guide templates versus the conventional free-hand method – A combined in vivo-in vitro technique using cone-beam CT (Part II). *J Craniomaxillofac Surg*. 2010;38:488-93.

11. Holtzclaw D. The effects of reinforcement on the fracture rates of provisional all-on-4 restorations: A retrospective report of 257 cases involving 1182 dental implants. *JIACD*. 2016;8:31-7.

12. Yamaguchi K, Ishiura Y, Tanaka S, Baba K. Influence of rigidity of a provisional restoration supported on four immediately loaded implants in the edentulous maxilla on biomechanical bone-implant conditions: A three-dimensional finite element analysis. *Int J Prosthodont*. 2014;27:442-50.

13. Li BB, Xu JB, Cui HJ, Lin Y, Di P. In vitro evaluation of the flexural properties of all-on-4 provisional fixed denture base resin partially reinforced with fibers. *Dent Mater J*. 2016;35:264-9.

14. Baig MR. Multi-unit implant impression accuracy: A review of the literature. *Quintessence Int*. 2014;45:39-51.

15. Tözüm MD, Ataman-Duruel ET, Duruel O, Nares S, Tözüm TF. Association between ridge morphology and complexity of implant placement planning in the posterior mandible. *J Prosthet Dent*. 2021;128:361-7.

Downloads

Published

2025-03-25

How to Cite

Julyan, J., Singh, A. K., & Maart, R. D. (2025). Immediate loading of fixed complete arch implant-supported prostheses – Preferences of prosthodontists in South Africa. South African Dental Journal, 80(01), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.17159/sadj.v80i01.20214